Waurn Ponds Station upgrades on the right track

SEVERAL upgrades close to completion will soon provide southern Geelong residents substantial dividends at Waurn Ponds train station.

The upgrades include the construction of a second platform on the southern side of the station, providing easier accessibility for residents arriving to the station from Mount Duneed and Armstrong Creek, or for travellers heading to Warrnambool.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the Waurn Ponds Station upgrade was one of many major transformative infrastructure projects being delivered by the Morrison Government across regional Victoria.

“These works will increase the capacity, reliability and frequency of services, which is fantastic news for commuters, who will be better able to get to where they need to be,” Senator Henderson said.

“The Waurn Ponds Station Upgrade includes a transformed main entrance to give better access to the station, more than 200 new car parking spaces, better security, and improved passenger information for commuters and visitors alike.”

She said a more frequent and reliable train service was essential to local residents, given it is one of the fastest growing regions in the state, increasing its population by 2.7 per cent per year.

“It is a wonderful asset for the people living in Waurn Ponds and the region,” Senator Henderson said.

“Eventually we will have the overpass on the Surf Coast Highway, coupled with the Barwon Heads upgrade, another project primarily funded by the Morrison Government, so we are we are really full steam ahead.”

South Barwon Labor MP Darren Cheeseman said passengers on the Warrnambool Rail Line would reap the rewards of the upgrade.

“This line is a vital part of our rail network – and these works at Waurn Ponds Station will give passengers the frequent and more reliable train services they deserve,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“It’s great to see major works completed, and passengers can look forward to more benefits when commissioning gets under way next year.”

Commissioning will include relocating a live signalling box from the rail corridor to allow the final 50-metre section of rail to be installed and completing track duplication at the station.

Major earthworks have also continued at the site for the new train stabling and maintenance facility near Waurn Ponds, which will allow track installation works to take place next year.

Crews have since installed drainage and started work on the new track to link the main line to the stabling facility, which will support the extension of services on the line to Waurn Ponds.